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With a new Introduction by Professor Cedric Watts, M.A., Ph.D. This selection of a hundred of O. Henry's succinct tales displays the range, humour and humanity of a perennially popular short-story writer. Here Henry gives a richly colourful and exuberantly entertaining panorama of social life, ranging from thieves to tycoons, from the streets of New York to the prairies of Texas. These stories are famed for their 'trick endings' or 'twists in the tail': repeatedly the plot twirls adroitly, compounding ironies. Indeed, O. Henry's cunning plots surpass those of the ingenious rogues he creates. His style is genial, lively and witty, displaying a virtuoso's command of language and allusion. This great collection offers delights for the mind, imagination and emotions. Stories include: The Gift of the Magi The Cop and the Anthem The Last Leaf The Duplicity of Hargreaves A Retrieved Reformation And many more AUTHOR: O. Henry was the pen name of William Sydney Porter (1862 1910) an America writer who has achieved lasting fame through his short stories. He began writing while in prison after being found guilty of embezzlement, and was a prolific writer until his early death resulting from his heavy drinking. While he has received little praise from the critics, his stories continue to be hugely popular with the readers around the world.